FIRST DRIVE: C238 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

With the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé last month, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has completed its two-door lineup that also includes the C-Class and S-Class Coupés. Occupying the space between the bookends, does the C238 model suffer from the middle child syndrome? We take it for a thorough examination both at a standstill and on the move to see what’s what.

Prices start at RM435,888 for the base E 200 Coupé, rising up to RM499,888 for the E 300 Coupé. The car you see here is the limited-edition E 300 Coupé Edition 1, yours for a cool RM534,888. All prices are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

As expected, the E-Class Coupé is slightly smaller than the sedan, being 97 mm shorter and 30 mm lower. The difference in size plays out in the car’s looks, the compactness accentuated by the curvaceous new bodywork, low-slung roofline and neater, more elegant rear end. All E-Class Coupé models sold in Malaysia come in AMG Line form and with Multibeam LED headlights, maximising visual appeal.

Inside, the dashboard design is almost identical to the sedan, dominated by the same widescreen display with two 12.3-inch screens; the only difference are the gorgeous turbine-style air vents. With all four windows down, the pillarless side window opening – there’s a small rear quarter light, but that’s it – affords passengers a stunning widescreen view out to the surroundings.

There’s only one engine available in Malaysia – the ubiquitous M274 2.0 litre turbocharged engine in E 200 and E 300 guises. The former delivers 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque, while the E 300 you see here bumps those figures up to 245 hp and 370 Nm. Both models get a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

So what does well over five hundred large get you, and is the resulting car actually any good? Watch as our man Hafriz Shah takes you through a detailed walk-around tour and a first impressions test drive of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé. For full specifications and equipment, check out our comprehensive launch report as well as our sister site CarBase.my.

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.